Floristic survey of ornamental plants used in Dom Delgado University City at the Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study is to list the flora used in ornamentation, afforestation and landscaping in the common areas of the Dom Delgado Campus (São Luís) at the Universidade Federal do Maranhão (2º32’20.7”S 44º16’58.4”W), where this study was carried out. The collection took place through exploratory walks, including individual specimens planted there and those that were kept during the architectonical development of the University. Identification was obtained using analytical keys, specialized literature and the comparison with material previously identified in the Herbarium of Maranhão (MAR) where the exsiccates produced in the present study were deposited. 70 species, 56 genres and 29 families were found. Fabaceae (with 10 species), Apocynaceae (with nine spp.); Malvaceae and Rubiaceae (six spp.); Arecaceae (four spp.); Araceae, Bignoniaceae and Heliconiaceae with three species each were the most representative families in terms of the number of species. Among the total number of species identified, it was noted that there was no great difference in the quantity of native Brazilian species (38%), when compared to exotic species (34%); the remaining species were classified as cultivated (17%) and naturalized (11%). In conclusion, it is clear that the afforestation/ landscaping of the Dom Delgado Campus, follows a method of randomization in relation to the planting of the species used.